But keeper David James insists that was the beginning of the end for a club who are on the brink of relegation from the

Premier League after being docked nine points for going into adminsistration. [>

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He said: “What happened as a result of the win had a terrible effect on this club. Winning the Cup was financially damaging because of bonuses in contracts for reaching Europe. “And then playing in Europe itself was physically damaging, so we suffered on both fronts. [>

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“Contracts were given in good faith because no-one really thought we would win the Cup. [>

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“But what had been built at Pompey was all undone inside a few months. It did not enable us to progress.” [>

James is one of the few survivors from the Wembley triumph two years ago, but ironically several of his former team-mates could be in the Tottenham line-up. [>

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Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar are set to start. Younes Kaboul is also in the Spurs camp. [>

James does not blame his former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp for raiding Fratton Park for talent, adding: “If Harry hadn’t taken them, someone else would have. [>

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“But they just happened to be four players who were the nucleus of a very strong Pompey team. [>

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“I have spent many hours out on the training ground facing them and I know how good they are. They will be difficult to stop, but we are going to Wembley to win.” [>

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James, 39, describes the reunion as entertaining, saying: “The relationship with those who left to go to Tottenham is still good. [>

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“Let’s just say if we beat them it will be satisfying, but the text messages flying around afterwards will be very enjoyable.” [>

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James says the semi-final provides the perfect opportunity to help forget what has been a miserable season in the league. [>

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And he is determined not to let any pre-match hype detract from the real aim – another FA Cup Final. [>

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“I have told a few of our younger lads to get all the nonsense out of the way first, because it is easy to lose focus when you walk out into the stadium and see three tiers of supporters willing you to win,” he said. [>

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“It is a great opportunity to try to win the Cup again, although I think this time it is good that Pompey did not register to play in Europe even if we go all the way. [>

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“Winning the Cup is a big achievement at any time. I think with what has gone on off the field there could have been enough distractions to make any Cup run or any football match a difficulty [>

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“It will be a major achievement to get ourselves in a position to win the Cup, but I think Spurs have something to say about that first of all. [>

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“Yes, I know Tottenham have already beaten us twice this season – but there again so have most clubs!” [>